Abstract

This study aims to determine the physicochemical characteristics of roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) stored in plastic and steel tank, and to compare the water quality of the harvested rainwater (RW) with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking-water quality. The physicochemical characteristics of RW samples, stored in steel and plastic tanks, were examined using standard methods. The results revealed that the average concentrations of the pH,, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature and Iron, corresponding to the plastic and steel tank stored water, were 5.0 and 5.2; 0.15 mS/cm and 0.19 mS/cm; 44 mg/l and 46 mg/l; 28.1°C and 28.4°C; 0.91mg/l and 1.39 mg/l, respectively. The comparison of the results with the WHO guidelines showed that the pH was below the permissible limits while the average concentration of Iron exceeded the maximum limits for the water stored in both tanks. The acidic nature of the RW, perhaps, impacted other water quality parameters of the stored RW. A further prognosis of the potential human health risk associated with exposure to stored rainwater is recommended.